{ Species Information }
{ Introduction }
Eláfkeria ( sing. Eláfkeri /ˌɛ'læfkɛri/ || pl. Eláfkeria /ˌɛ'læfkɛriæ/ ) are large, egg-laying ungulates characterized by a long horn on their foreheads, feathered tails, and a pair of strong wings.
The only known extant subspecies is the Koinos Eláfkeri ( E. Koinos Eláfkeri ). Koinos Eláfkeria originated in the Ágape continent, and are currently found in Ágape, Manta Gi, and Itule Ala.
Olden art and literature from before the Alicorn Hunt depict Eláfkeria of different sizes and complexions, so it is thought that there used to be more subspecies that either went extinct during the war, or isolated themselves and live in hiding.
Eláfkeria are known to have the ability to channel Kósmos's magic and wield it almost flawlessly.
Its closest known relative is the Unicorn.
The only known extant subspecies is the Koinos Eláfkeri ( E. Koinos Eláfkeri ). Koinos Eláfkeria originated in the Ágape continent, and are currently found in Ágape, Manta Gi, and Itule Ala.
Olden art and literature from before the Alicorn Hunt depict Eláfkeria of different sizes and complexions, so it is thought that there used to be more subspecies that either went extinct during the war, or isolated themselves and live in hiding.
Eláfkeria are known to have the ability to channel Kósmos's magic and wield it almost flawlessly.
Its closest known relative is the Unicorn.
TaxonomyKingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Artiodactyla Family: Eláfkeridae Genus: Eláfkeri Species: Eláfkeri Eláfkeri ( E. Eláfkeri ) Subspecies:
|
{ Biology }
Eláfkeria are one of the largest land-dwelling mammals of Kósmos, often being thought of as an apex predator. Koinos Eláfkeria on average grow to 2-3 meters at the shoulder, with a wingspan of roughly 5-6 meters.
Koinos Eláfkeria have elliptical shaped wings, which give them the advantage of high-speed take off and tight maneuvering during flight, making them efficient hunters, as long as they catch their prey before their speed dies down.
They have feathered tails that tend to have a rounded fan shape, which helps catch hot air currents for better flight. It is not uncommon to see tails with more elaborate shapes, though, which seem to have aesthetic purposes only, and may affect quality of flight due to their weight and less dynamic design.
Eláfkeria are known for the single horn that grows from their foreheads. It is a sturdy, keratinous horn that will usually grow in tight layers in a spear or curved shape. Its primary function is offense and defense, although it is also commonly used to channel magic and interact more conveniently with the world.
Eláfkeria possess long ears that grow past the horn height. The size improves their sense of hearing, making it an Eláfkeri's most reliable sense. This aids them in ambush hunting in forests, where visibility is reduced due to plant growth and dense canopies.
Koinos Eláfkeria have elliptical shaped wings, which give them the advantage of high-speed take off and tight maneuvering during flight, making them efficient hunters, as long as they catch their prey before their speed dies down.
They have feathered tails that tend to have a rounded fan shape, which helps catch hot air currents for better flight. It is not uncommon to see tails with more elaborate shapes, though, which seem to have aesthetic purposes only, and may affect quality of flight due to their weight and less dynamic design.
Eláfkeria are known for the single horn that grows from their foreheads. It is a sturdy, keratinous horn that will usually grow in tight layers in a spear or curved shape. Its primary function is offense and defense, although it is also commonly used to channel magic and interact more conveniently with the world.
Eláfkeria possess long ears that grow past the horn height. The size improves their sense of hearing, making it an Eláfkeri's most reliable sense. This aids them in ambush hunting in forests, where visibility is reduced due to plant growth and dense canopies.
Within the Eláfkeri species, a wide range of coat coloration and markings have been observed, as well as diverse physical traits, making species identification initially tricky. Alongside these, many Eláfkeria have been known to develop strange genetic mutations and have been able to lead normal lives with them, proving the species' sturdiness.
Coat coloration and physical characteristics are known to be hereditary through breeding. It is thought that genetic mutations can be passed on to offsprings as well, but seem to occur with less frequency.
Coat coloration and physical characteristics are known to be hereditary through breeding. It is thought that genetic mutations can be passed on to offsprings as well, but seem to occur with less frequency.
{ Nutrition }
Eláfkeria are omnivorous, with a diet consisting mainly of fruits, foliage, and herbs. However, they prove to be opportunistic carnivores, actively hunting and feeding on animals whose size ranges from small rodents, fish, and birds, to larger animals like foxes, badgers, and raptors; because Eláfkeria don't have many predators, a motivated Eláfkeri will target almost any other creature. Their teeth structure includes sharp specialized canines to grab and tear meat when needed, and flatter molars to grind through plant matter and meat.
They tend to scavenge for food whenever they feel hungry, usually searching in specific areas they stumble upon when young that they continue frequenting as they grow. Their hunting behavior is oftentimes the opposite; they choose to hunt whenever they find an animal they have the energy to chase, if they want to chase it.
Hatchlings and fledglings— collectively referred to as fawns— depend on their parents to bring them food until they're old enough to walk and scavenge on their own. Fawns' diets consist mostly of greens and bird eggs, both of which help their horn and hooves grow strong.
Since the opening of the Gulf of Manta Gi's market, the consumption of seafood in Eláfkeria ( and other Kósmos species ) has increased.
They tend to scavenge for food whenever they feel hungry, usually searching in specific areas they stumble upon when young that they continue frequenting as they grow. Their hunting behavior is oftentimes the opposite; they choose to hunt whenever they find an animal they have the energy to chase, if they want to chase it.
Hatchlings and fledglings— collectively referred to as fawns— depend on their parents to bring them food until they're old enough to walk and scavenge on their own. Fawns' diets consist mostly of greens and bird eggs, both of which help their horn and hooves grow strong.
Since the opening of the Gulf of Manta Gi's market, the consumption of seafood in Eláfkeria ( and other Kósmos species ) has increased.
{ Disease, Injury, & Illness }
Coming soon.
{ Intelligence & Communication }
Eláfkeria are intelligent, sapient beings. They understand and follow concepts of self-identity— such as gender and sexuality— and know how to design and use tools to enhance or facilitate their lives.
They communicate with one another through speech, but they also commonly resource to chirps, coos, and bleats. Some are known to let out high-pitched screeches during battle, and some have even mastered the art of vocal mimicry.
Eláfkeria can also easily communicate with other species and do it willingly, making them one of Kósmos's social species.
More information coming soon.
They communicate with one another through speech, but they also commonly resource to chirps, coos, and bleats. Some are known to let out high-pitched screeches during battle, and some have even mastered the art of vocal mimicry.
Eláfkeria can also easily communicate with other species and do it willingly, making them one of Kósmos's social species.
More information coming soon.
{ Ecology }
Since Eláfkeria don't have many known predators ( or any ), they're vaguely considered to be apex predators within their ecosystems, although their omnivorous status gives them the equally important role of seed dispersers.
Eláfkeria are a keystone species in their natural habitats. Due to their diet, Eláfkeria are responsible of seed dispersion, as seeds will get tangled in their fur, and fall off during flight, as well as dispersed through fruit digestion. As predators, they're also responsible for controlling the population of local prey animals, keeping the ecosystem balanced.
Because of the hardy nature of their keratinous hooves, Eláfkeria tend to create trails of stomped ground known as Eláfkeri trails ( or deer trails ). They're worn constantly due to the species' routinely behavior, making green growth difficult, leaving only packed ground behind. These trails can be used to track Eláfkeria, as they'll usually walk between their nests and feeding grounds, although it's only reliable in forests with dense canopies, where flight can be challenging.
Eláfkeria are a keystone species in their natural habitats. Due to their diet, Eláfkeria are responsible of seed dispersion, as seeds will get tangled in their fur, and fall off during flight, as well as dispersed through fruit digestion. As predators, they're also responsible for controlling the population of local prey animals, keeping the ecosystem balanced.
Because of the hardy nature of their keratinous hooves, Eláfkeria tend to create trails of stomped ground known as Eláfkeri trails ( or deer trails ). They're worn constantly due to the species' routinely behavior, making green growth difficult, leaving only packed ground behind. These trails can be used to track Eláfkeria, as they'll usually walk between their nests and feeding grounds, although it's only reliable in forests with dense canopies, where flight can be challenging.
{ Family & Relationships }
Coming soon.